My wife and I decided to give P&O a try after experiencing seven other cruises. So we chose this seven days cruise from Sydney to Morton island & return. Check in was efficient however once you board the Pacific Jewel you soon realise how dated and aged the ship is. Worn carpets and furniture, broken fittings, exposed wires and in places duct tape used to cover carpet and repairs. This ship needs a major re-fit when compared to other cruise ships.

Our room was clean and tidy however the Television was a dated as the ship and the channel selection poor (No local content or news). I found the the dinning experience at the Waterfront and other public eating places to be fine and what would be expected, however I did notice that a number of the staff have some difficulties speaking english and this causes frustration at times.

It is very obvious that P&O is hell bent on pulling every cent they can from your pocket. NOTHING IS FREE OR COMPLIMENTARY. BE WARNED! Other cruise lines offer free pastries with your coffee 24/7, Free soft serve ice cream for the kids, pizza etc. Not P&O- YOU PAY. It might sound like a small matter but for families it all counts. The only true high light of the dinning experience was Luke Mangans SALT GRILL. At $49 per head great value, fine dinning. Read more